The Merry Christmas Polka

Christmas was very good to us this year. Avery was stunned when she walked down the stairs and saw a bunch of toys left for her from Santa. She didn't quite know what to do.

This was the wonderous sight she beheld. 

The Little People Zoo Animals were her immediate favorite. Animals in general are her obsession. She loves learning new animal names and then pointing them out while making their animal sound. (This can be a little disruptive during church.) But ducks are still her ultimate favorite and therefore Santa had to leave her a few new Christmas ducks to add to her collection. It didn't even register that she had her very own kitchen until later. She had to first hand me each individual animal (all 26) and have me tell her what they were before we could move on to any other toy.

Then it was time to open presents. Her Grandma and Granddaddy Turner got her a new doll and its very own crib/changing table/high chair thing. Very cool. And all in one unit so easy storage and since its made by Little Tikes it can take anything Avery throws at it.

Cute huh.

The baby got its share of kisses and hugs Christmas day. Avery certainly loves her babies.

She finally noticed her kitchen. And realized she could "cook her own eggs."

And like any good chef knows you have to taste it to make sure its good.

You also might have noticed the pigtails. They're new as well, the real Christmas miracle is that Avery finally has hair!

These Are a Few of Her Favorite Things...

We've been home bound due to snow and cold this last week or so, so Avery's becoming reaquainted with her toys. She's got a pretty good routine going with what she plays with. First she plays with her dollhouse.

Then its on to her tea set.

Next its time for a ride on her car.

Followed by finding and lining up her collection of ducks.

And throughout all this fun there are nonstop funny faces.

It's Christmas Time in the City

With Christmas fast approaching, we decided it was time to get a tree and start the decorating. Avery was pretty excited about it. We put on the lights and then handed her a couple of candy canes to put on the tree. She thought we were a little batty putting candy on a tree but she did it anyway.

After breaking a couple of the candy canes she was promoted to putting the plastic (read: unbreakable) ornaments on the tree.

With the tree all decorated we got dressed and, with Grandma Hawes, Aunt Nicki, and cousins Lincoln and Tyson, headed to Winter Fest. Avery got to go on a hayride pulled by REAL horses, a fact which she constantly pointed out during the brisk ride.

Then it was off to the petting zoo. This was her second favorite activity. She got up close and personal with a calf, a bunch of rabbits, a miniature pony, and a whole flock of assorted ducks and chickens. We also saw a dog which I thought was another miniature pony at first...it was HUGE! Avery didn't believe me when I said it was a dog, she insisted on calling it "horse." I didn't correct her.

Then we headed inside to warm up. Avery met Mr. Penguin, whom she excitedly called, "Duck!"

Then it was time to visit Santa. Avery was pretty happy about it while she stood in line, but as she got closer her excitement waned. Then she let us know how she felt about the strange guy with the big beard.

After getting over her stranger danger moment, we headed out for another hayride (we figured we should end the day on a happier note).

She perked up as soon as she saw the "HORSES!"

Drama, Drama, Drama

My daughter has become a drama queen. This is the face we see whenever we say things like: "Avery, scoot back from the TV," or "Sorry, it's all gone," or "Nope, don't touch that."

Drama, Drama, Drama. Greg can't deal.

Dressed In Holiday Style

All Hallow's Eve

So I saw this idea on pinterest...only they wanted like $90 for the costume and I said to myself I could make that...so here she is...

THE QUEEN OF HEARTS

She absolutely LOVED trick-or-treating. She literally ran from house to house. Once she got to the door she would hold out her bucket until the homeowner came and then after receiving her candy she would blow them kisses goodbye. I think she might have actually thought she was a Queen.

Here she is finally figuring out what it was they were putting in her bucket...she's a very social child...so I think she would have gone around knocking on doors and smiling and waving at people even if they weren't handing out candy. Candy was just a cherry on top.

Monkeying Around

Greg and I decided it was time for another trip to the zoo so we loaded up the little girl and her Minnesota Grandma and headed out.

First stop was the duck/flamingo pond. Avery probably could have stayed there all day watching the ducks and birds. Those are her favorite things in the whole world.

She even got to see a little baby flamingo being fed by its mommy!

The polar bears were next. She loved being able to stare at the big bears. 

The penguins were next. Greg held her up so she could get a better view. 

It was a beautiful day. Early September is gorgeous in Minnesota. Avery hung out in her stroller in between exhibits.

She got up close and personal with this orangutan. Here she is making sure Grandma is seeing this.

Staring at another small monkey.



Riding on a fake giraffe.

Posing with a gorilla.

On another note...Lincoln and Avery are fast becoming fuseball experts. Greg says "It's never too early to start training."